Your journey on the North Sea Coast Cycle Route begins in Husum. After checking in at the hotel, grab your bike and explore the grey city by the sea. Grey? The writer Theodor Storm found his home town dreary and monotonous. He was wrong, because Husum is extremely lively and colourful. Experience the interplay of high and low tide at the inland harbour and treat yourself to a fish sandwich or a slice of Friesian cake. Or are you drawn directly to the Wadden Sea? At Dockkoogspitze you can not only take a refreshing dip in the North Sea, but also enjoy magnificent sunsets.

From Husum, your journey takes you along the North Sea Coast Cycle Route to Friedrichstadt. You will feel transported to the Netherlands when you take a walk along the canals, past gabled houses and through small alleys. The Dutch town was founded in the 17th century by Dutch immigrants who brought their architectural style with them. On the way to Tönning, it is worth stopping at Hoyerswort Manor. It is Schleswig-Holstein's only noble manor on the west coast. Visit the Multimar Wattforum in Tönning, your destination for the day. It takes you into the world of the Wadden Sea and serves as a breeding station for endangered creatures.

First take the train to St. Peter-Ording. Relax on the 12-kilometre-long, seemingly endless sandy beach. Watch kite surfers being pulled over the waves by the wind or treat yourself to a culinary break in one of the striking pile dwellings. Take a guided mudflat walk. Experience crabs, mussels and snails up close and learn more about the tides. Alternatively, simply spend your time in St. Peter-Ording leisurely sunbathing before cycling back to Tönning or Lunden.

Passing the Katinger Watt, over the Eider barrier and along the coast, you will reach Büsum on today's stage of your journey on the North Sea Coast Cycle Route. The town, known nationwide for its crabs, has a picturesque fishing harbour. Head inland to Meldorf. Block out the North Sea wind for a moment and explore the cathedral, visible from afar, and its decorated interior. Several hundred years ago, when the town was still by the sea, Meldorf Cathedral served as a sea mark. The landmark of your destination for the day, St. Michaelisdonn, is the Dutch windmill Edda, from whose location you have a beautiful view of the surroundings.

You cycle on flat paths through the Dithmarschen region to Brunsbüttel. The locks of the Kiel Canal are particularly worth seeing. In operation since 1895, the canal is one of the busiest waterways in the world. In the lock museum you will learn more about the construction, function and significance of the canal. Along the Elbe you will travel to Glückstadt. Planned on the drawing board as a competitor to the port city of Hamburg, the town did not develop economically as hoped in the 17th century. This did not and does not detract from Glückstadt's charm. Taste the famous Glückstadt Maties and take a walk along the harbour.

On the last stage of your journey along the North Sea Coast Cycle Route, you cycle leisurely along the banks of the Elbe towards Hamburg. Shortly before the gates of the city, it is worth taking a longer break at the ship welcoming station Willkomm-Höft in Wedel. Large ships arriving at or leaving the port of Hamburg are greeted or seen off with the respective national flag and language. The course of the Elbe leads you into the centre of Hamburg. The Hanseatic city impresses with its diverse cultural offerings, countless sights and maritime flair.

After breakfast, your journey on the North Sea Coast Cycle Route from Husum to Hamburg already ends. We are happy to extend your stay with an extra night in Hamburg.